IMRA Board Adopts Name Change

ARLINGTON, VA -- At its January 25 meeting, the International Mass Retail Association's (IMRA) board of directors voted to change the name of the association to better reflect its membership and mission. IMRA will become the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA).

"Retail Industry Leaders Association better reflects who we are," explains RILA president Sandy Kennedy. "Our members are among the most successful and innovative companies in the retail industry. The retailers and suppliers that we represent are among the most reputable companies and brands in the world. We wanted a name that included who we represent--the retail industry, and more specifically, those who lead it."

RILA chairman Joe Scarlett, ceo of Tractor Supply Company, echoed these sentiments in his comments to attendees at The Leadership Forum, which followed the board meeting. "Our focus and our strength is our unique membership. That strength lies both in the quality of our member companies--both retail and product supplier--and in the engagement of key executives who roll up their sleeves and work together to get things done. We feel that the new name, Retail Industry Leaders Association, encapsulates both the individuals and the companies that lead this industry."

In addition to the new name, the association unveiled its new tagline: Retail's Future--Educate, Innovate, Advocate. "More than just a tagline, this is the business value that we bring to our members," continued Kennedy. "Education--through our conferences and Leaders Councils--is key to staying on top of emerging technology, best practices and latest trends. The willingness of our members to both share and learn from each other is tremendous. This comes from their drive for constant innovation. And we can help in that area. Advocacy on all levels--local, state, national--is necessary to ensure the best business environment for our members."

Board member Brad Anderson, first vice chairman and ceo of Best Buy, said of the new name and tagline: "Our members are successful because they are innovators. They proactively address the changing needs of consumers, streamline their business processes for greater efficiency and use technology to gain competitive advantage. RILA brings together companies that share this culture. It's a give and take that benefits both individual companies and the industry as a whole."

Fellow board member, Thomas Haig, president and coo of Zellers, concurred, "The new name and tagline sum up who we are and what we need to do to continue to be successful. We're more than just mass retailers. We're innovators and leaders within the industry."